Study modes and teaching methods in the UK are as varied as the range of programmes available, and often differ from those in the USA and other parts of the world. Specialist postgraduate programs are generally taught on a full-time one-year basis. They may also be available as a part-time qualification, usually delivered over two years. Students can study for an MBA on a full-time or part-time basis. They can do so on campus or via distance learning.
Teaching methods range from predominantly lecture-based delivery, through group working, to self-study. Pre-experience postgraduate programmes often involve teaching methods similar to those of first degrees. Post-experience postgraduate programmes place more emphasis on group working and peer interaction. For the MBA, structured lecture-based teaching is often accompanied by case study work. The case study method introduced by Harvard Business School is a popular teaching method for the MBA. Project-based work is also common for electives.
The cutting edge research conducted at universities and business schools in the UK and Ireland feeds into the postgraduate programmes. As a result participants on taught postgraduate programmes can be sure that they are up to date with the latest specialist knowledge in their field of study.
Money matters
Acquiring a first-class business education in the UK is not cheap. At the top end of the scale a full-time MBA can cost in excess of £40,000. Add in opportunity cost (students are missing out on a salary, bonuses and promotions after giving up work to study) and living expenses and it is a significant expense. Set against this must be the potential for the MBA to increase earnings.
An MSc or MA in a business-related subject is likely to cost considerably less. And with most participants yet to begin their career, the opportunity costs are also lower. A one-year full-time MSc in human resource management and industrial relations at MBS costs £11,000 for international students. At Cass Business School, City of London, taking an MSc in logistics trade and finance will cost £16,000.
Most participants will fund their study with a mixture of savings and loans. Some schools offer proprietary soft loan schemes for successful applicants. Other soft loan schemes are also available, such as the Career Development Loan administered by the Learning and Skills Council.
Fees can be defrayed by scholarships, which most schools offer. These are usually merit- or needs-based. Academic institutions use merit-based scholarships to attract the most talented students.
While taught postgraduate programs offer an excellent way to kick-start a new career, boost an existing one, or help make a career switch, they are also a good option for would-be researchers. Many students go on to do research degrees, become full-time researchers, or teach the next generation of business leaders.
